Transparency 3.0 FOI: Asian perspectives, PH impact

This is a press release from Asia Society

MANILA, Philippines – With critical governance reforms seen as both mitigating corruption while promoting investment and competitiveness, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill is positioned to serve as a linchpin for sustainable transparency and development for the country.

To provide a better understanding of FOI and its implications to our society, Asia Society Philippines, INCITEGov and Young Public Servants present “Transparency 3.0 Freedom of Information: Asian Perspectives, Philippine Impact” on Monday, December 1, 2014 from 1pm to 5:30pm at the Asian Institute of Management.

In the House of Representatives, the consolidated FOI bill fashioned by the technical working group was approved on November 24, 2014 by the Committee on Public Information. The bill will be taken up in plenary session. Meanwhile, the Senate passed its version last March 2014.

The forum will start off with a discussion with Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Cong. Teddy Baguilat Jr. on the current FOI legislation and its prospective implementation.

The second panel will focus on the FOI experiences of two of our Asian neighbors – India and Indonesia. The former had its Right to Information Act passed in 2005 after a 25-year battle, the latter was enacted in 2010. Central Information Commissioner Shri Yashovardhan Azad and Chair of Transparency International Indonesia Natalia Soebagio will share what their countries have learned from enacting their respective FOI Laws and how they faced its challenges.

Representatives from various sectors will evaluate how FOI will affect the Filipino community. Panelists include Makati Business Club Chairman Ramon del Rosario, Executive Director of Transparency and Accountability Network Vincent Lazatin, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility’s Executive Director Melinda Quintos de Jesus and South China Morning Post Correspondent Raissa Robles.

At this dialogue, participants can ask further questions to the panel and learn how the Freedom of Information Law shall affect the country’s future.

Transparency 3.0 Freedom of Information: Asian Perspectives, Philippine Impact is presented by Metro Pacific Investments, the Asian Institute of Management, HILLS Program on Governance and supported by Integrity Initiative, and ASEAN-India Centre at RIS. Media partners include Rappler, ANC, BusinessWorld, Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, and DZAR Sonshine Radio.

For more information, visit the Eventbrite page: http://tinyurl.com/TF3FOIregister and hashtag #TF3FOI. You may also contact Marge at info@asiasociety.org.ph or 810-8983 for questions. – Rappler.com

Asia Society Philippines aims to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and bridge differences across the Philippines, Asia and the United States. We develop cross-sector programs that bring together individuals, companies, policymakers and other non-profits to promote collaboration and understanding of Asia across the fields of policy, business leadership, education and arts and culture.

Rappler is a media partner of this event.